Gesture Operated Wrist Mounted Camera System

ABSTRACT

A system and method for capturing media are disclosed. In a first aspect, the system comprises a wristband device that includes at least one sensor and a camera coupled to the wristband device. The camera is controlled by at least one gesture determined using the at least one sensor. In a second aspect, the method comprises providing a wristband device that includes at least one sensor, coupling a camera to the wristband device, determining at least one gesture using the at least one sensor, and controlling the camera by using the at least one gesture.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/634,674, filed on Feb. 27, 2015, entitled GESTURE OPERATED WRISTMOUNT CAMERA SYSTEM which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/946,622, filed on Feb. 28, 2014, entitled “GESTUREOPERATED WRIST MOUNTED CAMERA SYSTEM,” and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/101,289, filed on Jan. 8, 2015, entitled “GESTUREOPERATED WRIST MOUNTED CAMERA SYSTEM,” which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable devices, and moreparticularly, to a wearable camera system.

BACKGROUND

Timing and framing are key factors in photography and videography thatcapture moments. People increasingly want to reduce the time it takes tocapture moments. Conventional camera solutions require too muchpreparation or pre-preparation to take a shot or setup a shot. Inaddition, conventional solutions rely on mounts, optical and traditionalviewfinders, and shutter buttons. Conventional camera solutions includetraditional digital pocket cameras or digital single-lens reflex cameras(DSLRs), mounted cameras, smartphones, and wearable computers.

There is a strong need for solutions that effectively and efficientlyreduce the time it takes to capture moments through photography andvideography. The present invention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method for capturing media are disclosed. In a firstaspect, the system comprises a wristband device that includes at leastone sensor and a camera coupled to the wristband device. The camera iscontrolled by at least one gesture determined using the at least onesensor.

In a second aspect, the method comprises providing a wristband devicethat includes at least one sensor, coupling a camera to the wristbanddevice, determining at least one gesture using the at least one sensor,and controlling the camera by using the at least one gesture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures illustrate several embodiments of the inventionand, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention. One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes thatthe embodiments illustrated in the figures are merely exemplary, and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for capturing media in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system for sensor data classification by a wearablecamera device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for capturing media in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for capturing media in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user point of view of a wearable camera device inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the wearable camera device inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a subject point of view of the wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user point of view of a multi-wearable cameradevice system in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a user interface display of a wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method for capturing media using gesturerecognition by a wearable camera device in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method for capturing media using gesturerecognition by a wearable camera device in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a subject point of view of a wearable camera devicein accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to wearable devices, and moreparticularly, to a wearable camera system. The following description ispresented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention and is provided in the context of a patent application and itsrequirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and thegeneric principles and features described herein will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein.

Traditional camera solutions include digital pocket cameras (e.g.,DSLRs), mounted cameras, smartphones, and camera eyeglasses. Traditionalcamera solutions typically utilize one of three methods for framing ashot. A first method utilizes optical viewfinders which suffer from thedrawbacks including but not limited to requiring a user's eye to be inclose proximity to an optical window which takes time and isinconvenient. A second method utilizes digital viewfinders which sufferfrom the drawbacks including but not limited to requiring a digitalscreen, having a screen size and weight that limits how portable anysolution can be, requiring software to display and update the screenwhich can be slow, requiring power and extra hardware for the screen,and providing an unnatural interface that requires the user to look at adigital representation of what they can see with their own eyes in frontof them. A third method utilizes no viewfinder so the user cannot framea shot before taking it.

In all of the above methods, a user needs to retrieve a camera fromstorage, look through a viewfinder or struggle to frame a shot, and findand know how to operate the shutter button/mechanism. The camera istypically sized and weighted to be held in the user's hand. However,there is no standard shutter button/mechanism location acrosstraditional camera solutions and retrieving the camera from storage andlooking through a viewfinder takes time. These issues are problematicwhen a user wants to capture media (photos, videos, etc.) related to amoment very quickly.

A system and method in accordance with the present invention addressesthe aforementioned issues by providing a wearable camera system(wearable camera device) that is gesture operated and mounted/worn onthe wrist of the user. The gesture operated wearable camera deviceeliminates size, storage, retrieval, and operating knowledge constraintsassociated with traditional digital cameras. The user of the wearablecamera device does not need to retrieve any device or place it intostorage (because the device is already worn around the user's wrist),does not need to find and know how to operate the shutter button, anddoes not need to setup any device by holding or using a mount.

In addition, the gesture operated wearable camera device eliminatesconstraints associated with traditional mounted cameras. The user of thewearable camera device does not need to use a mount that requiresadditional time and effort and a receptacle and has a limited range ofmovement, does not need to predetermine the scope of the framing or usepre-mounting techniques, and does not need to rely on digital or opticalviewfinders for framing.

In addition, the gesture operated wearable camera device eliminatesconstraints and the limited range of motion associated with traditionalsmartphone cameras. The user of the gesture operated camera system doesnot need to access or unlock (e.g., using a pattern or passcode) thedevice before capturing an image, does not need to utilize a specificphoto application to capture the image, and does not need to use adevice that that is not optimized for photo taking.

In addition, the gesture operated wearable camera device eliminatesconstraints associated with traditional camera eyeglasses. The user ofthe gesture operated wearable camera device does not need to utilize alens fixed to the user's eye or any type of special eyewear, does notobscure the field of view with various actions, and does not includeunintuitive camera triggers such as voice commands and winks.

The system and method in accordance with the present invention providesa wearable camera device that utilizes gesture recognition to allow forthe user to take high quality photos/video/media quickly andefficiently. The photos and/or video are taken by easily framing thephoto at different angles by simply using the user's hand, without theneed for a viewfinder, or any contact with hardware in the palm orfingers of the user's hand, or the use of a second/free hand to triggera shutter button. In one embodiment, the user of the wearable cameradevice raises an empty hand, gestures with the same hand as if taking aphoto with a traditional camera, and captures a photo (or video) withina known framed area. The wearable camera device has the advantage ofreducing the amount of time required to prepare, frame, and capture amedia (photo/video).

In one embodiment, the wearable camera device comprises a wristbanddevice (band component) and a camera that is either coupled to thewristband device (so that the user could potential upgrade orinterchange the type of the camera) or integrated within the wristbanddevice. The wristband device includes a plurality of embedded sensorsincluding but not limited to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)devices, gyroscopes, accelerometers, pressure sensors, optical sensors,biometric, electromagnetic sensors, and motion sensors that detect usermovements and gestures and the wristband also includes a processordevice/unit to analyze and classify the detected gestures.

In another embodiment, the wearable camera device comprises a glove-likedevice that is in contact with the user's fingers and a mounted cameracoupled to the glove-like device. In this device, the wearable cameradevice does not include a wristband device portion and the sensor andprocessor and computing components are instead housed in the glove-likedevice that is worn by the user like a typical glove.

In one embodiment, the camera is small in size and lightweight. Thecamera includes a camera lens. In one embodiment, the camera lens is anyof thumbnail sized, nano sized, the size of the tip of a pen, the sizeof a traditional camera lens located on a smartphone, and other smallsizes. In another embodiment, the camera lens is smaller than thumbnailsized. In one embodiment, the camera is interchangeable with varioustypes of lens so that the user can upgrade the wearable camera device.In one embodiment, the wristband device is interchanged with differentcolors and patterns and jewelry pieces to enable customizability.

In one embodiment, the camera with camera lens is coupled to thewristband device and positioned near the wrist in a manner that allowsthe camera lens to fluidly, automatically, and continuously follow themovement and/or rotation of the user's wrist. In one embodiment, thecamera lens is flexibly fixed to the wristband device near the outeredge of the user's hand. This allows the camera lens to move in linewith the wrist when rotated or when the hand is moved.

In another embodiment, the camera lens is rigidly fixed to a portion ofthe wristband device and is actuated electromechanically by electricalsignals from the wristband device that are generated in response towrist or hand movements that are detected by MEMS devices and sensorsembedded within the wristband device.

The wristband device recognizes arm, wrist, hand, and finger gesturesbased on a variety of techniques by monitoring, filtering and detecting,classifying, and processing muscle movements, tendon movements, bonemovements, wrist shape changes, hand shape shapes, finger shape changes,and/or bioelectromagnetics states, other user movements and changes toprovide for sensor signal detection, feature extraction, and gesturerecognition functionalities.

In one embodiment, the wristband device utilizes wrist contourbiometrics and a contour mapping mechanism as a primary input forgesture recognition. In another embodiment, additional sensors thatdetect additional inputs and sensor data are utilized by the wristbanddevice to determine the gestures and perform the gesture recognition. Inone embodiment, firmware running on an embedded system in the wristbanddevice can monitor, filter, feature extract, classify, and interpretrecognized gestures, and then transmit the recognized gestures as camerafirmware commands to the camera to control the camera firmware, hardwarecomponents, and electromechanical functions of the camera.

At a certain time point (N), the user's hand that is wearing thewristband device, the user's fingers, and the user's wrist are alloriented in particular orientations. When the hand, wrist, or fingers ofthe user are moved or change position, then the muscles/tendons contractand/or relax, and the bones and skin of the user also move orchange/shift positions. These changes can result in physical anatomicalchanges on the surface of the wrist or cause bioelectromagnetics changesand the changes are recorded by the contour mapping mechanism to controlthe camera.

In one embodiment, the wristband device or band includes sensor arraysthat are spaced apart from each other at predetermined distances andwith known pitches so that the sensor arrays completely circumvent theuser's wrist. In another embodiment, the wristband device includessensor arrays that do not completely circumvent the user's wrist andinstead are focused on a certain location or region. The sensor arrayseither measure distance to the surface of the wrist or measure thepressure that the wrist exerts at each sensor position.Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) then convert sensor signals detectedby the sensor arrays to an array of values. The array of values that arecollected from the user's wrist by the wristband device are arepresentation of the state of the user's wrist, hand, and fingers atthe time point N.

The array of values are then filtered by the wristband device using aplurality of filters including but not limited to median filters andinfinite impulse (IIR) filters to reduce/eliminate noise and motionartifacts, and extract/retain features that meet certain thresholdswithin a known tolerance criteria (i.e., distance or pressuremeasurement+/− some acceptable error at each sensor position). Once thewristband device filters the signals to extract features, the featuresare classified using sensor data classification.

In one embodiment, the wristband device includes a sensor dataclassification unit that includes pre-defined or pre-determinedclassifiers that contain features sets per each recognized gesture(e.g., particular arrangement of the user's wrist, hand, and/orfingers). In one embodiment, the pre-defined classifiers and featuresets are pre-loaded in the wristband device's firmware from reducedtraining sets that are previously collected from sufficiently large anddiverse training population data.

In another embodiment, the pre-defined classifiers and feature sets arecollected in real-time from a cloud-based database that stores datarelated to all of the users that are using the wearable camera device.In another embodiment, the pre-defined classifiers and feature sets aretrained based on the current wearer/user of the wearable camera deviceover a predetermined time period. Training includes but is not limitedto machine learning techniques, device feedback, and user feedback.

Once the wristband device classifies a set of extracted features asmatching at least one known gesture from a plurality of recognizedgestures (e.g., user gestures related to controlling the camera of thewearable camera device), firmware of the wristband device issues acommand/callback to either the firmware of the wristband device toperform an action by the wristband device (e.g., dismissing an alert ornotification, uploading data to cloud storage, etc.) or to the firmwareof the camera to perform a camera-related action by the camera (e.g.,taking a photo, controlling camera shutter, changing camera modes,actuating the camera lens, etc.).

In one embodiment, the wristband device detects an array of sensor datavalues associated with user movements at a frequency of K. Based on thedetected array of values and subsequent feature extraction and gesturerecognition, a sequence of commands at time point N are extracted fromthe recognized gestures and are classified at events N+1/K, N+1/K*2,N+1/K*3, etc. These events are processed continuously in a loop toprovide constant command control to the wearable camera device. Otherembodiments may use additional sensors including but not limited toBiometric electroencephalography (EEG) magnetoencephalography (MEG)sensors, and electromyography (EMG) sensors in combination with pressureand optical sensors to reduce noise, false positive features, ormisclassification of gestures and commands.

In one embodiment, the wristband device monitors movements from theuser's arm, wrist, hand, fingers, and thumb. When the user is ready totake a photo or video, the user's hand with the wearable camera deviceis raised and positioned to frame the photo/video. Once the user's handis raised and the photo/video is framed by the user's hand, aphoto/video (media) can be captured by a plurality of finger movementsand gestures recognized by the wearable camera device.

In one embodiment, the index finger and thumb are extended,approximately 90 degrees from each other, effectively creating onecorner of a camera frame. In another embodiment, varying angles andpositions between the user's fingers or the index finger and thumb arepossible to create the camera frame while increasing usability andminimizing potential user fatigue. For example, the user can hold up allfour fingers and extend the thumb approximately 90 degrees from the fourfingers to frame the camera or the user can merely hold up one finger toframe the photo/video. One of ordinary skill in the art readilyrecognizes that a plurality of user movements and gestures can beassociated with a plurality of wearable camera device functions and thatwould be within the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment where the user has extended his/her index finger andthumb approximately 90 degrees from each other, the position of theshutter plane is always substantially parallel to the plane created bythe index finger and the thumb—even when the user's wrist is rotated. Inthis embodiment, the wristband device can detect the extended indexfinger and thumb by monitoring, processing, classifying, and recognizingmuscle, tendon, and wrist movements, wrist contours, hand shapes, andmovements using feature extraction and gesture recognition to controlthe camera.

Once the wristband device has detected that the user has extendedhis/her index finger and thumb approximately 90 degrees from each other(or that the user has positioned his/her hand/fingers in anotherorientation associated with certain gestures), the wristband devicetransmits an instruction/command/call to the camera to open the shutterand wait in a ready state to take/capture a photo or video.

In one embodiment, the user gestures with the index finger and simulatesa button press by slightly contracting the extended finger. In anotherembodiment, the user gestures with his/her finger to “flick” or “point”to the subject. The wristband device recognizes these gestures as acamera trigger gesture by monitoring, classifying, and extractingfeatures from the finger and wrist movements using the plurality ofembedded sensors that collects/detects muscle, tendon,bioelectromagnetics, and anatomical contour changes and the processordevice that utilizes algorithms (e.g., machine learning classifiers) toanalyze and classify the detected movements.

In this embodiment, the wristband device triggers the camera to capturea photo or video in response to the detected movements that areclassified as a camera trigger gesture. In another embodiment, thewristband device detects other gestures for camera-related functionssuch as capturing photos/videos, changing/selecting operation modes,zooming in/out, etc.

In one embodiment, the operation modes include but are not limited toadjusting the lens position by rotating the wristband device around thewrist. In one embodiment, the wristband device has a light emitting userinterface (UI) that is sized to be displayed on the user's wrist andthat can be manipulated either by the detected user movements/gesturesor by direct user touch gestures on a display screen of the UI. The UIcan be either smaller than traditional video displays, similarly sized,or larger. The UI can be an LCD display, LED display, or another type ofdisplay unit.

In one embodiment, the wearable camera device or the wristband deviceitself includes a communication device (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth receiverand transmitter) that includes any of WiFi and Bluetooth communicationcapabilities so that the sensor movement data that is detected andanalyzed as well as the captured photos and videos can be wirelesslycommunicated to another device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, etc.) or to acloud-computing storage system by the communication device. The capturedphotos and videos can be automatically transmitted (or transmittedaccording to a predetermined schedule) to the device or cloud-computingstorage system so that the user's information is seamlessly backed up.

In one embodiment, the wristband device can be used in conjunction witha second wristband device on the user's opposing hand. The first and thesecond wristband devices can communicate different modes, operations,and data to each other and also work in conjunction as a multi-camerasystem. The multi-camera system can include additional gesturerecognitions and features to enable advanced photo and video takingincluding but not limited to panorama photos/videos and 3Dphotos/videos.

The system and method in accordance with the present invention provide agestured operated wrist-mounted camera system (wearable camera device)that is an unobtrusive accessory-type wristband camera that can be wornby the user for 24 hours a day so that the user can capture moments atany time or place. Therefore, the wearable camera device is convenientand quickly produces high quality and framed camera shots. The need fora physical viewfinder (either optical or digital), a shutter button, andcommand and control buttons is eliminated. Readying, framing, sizing,and shutter operations do not require physical buttons. The user canalso personalize the wearable camera device by selecting a plurality ofdifferent styles, colors, designs, and patterns associated with thewristband.

The form factor of the wearable camera device provides camera hardwarethat is integrated into the wristband device so there is no need forcostly hardware (physical or digital screen) or a viewfinder whichreduces the footprint (size, power, complexity). The wristband device isform-fitting and adjustable and can include a small adjustablepositioned camera and lens. In another embodiment, the wristband deviceincludes a display unit that can serve as a viewfinder for addedfunctionality.

In one embodiment, the camera is coupled to the wristband device at thejunction of the pisiform and ulna. In another embodiment, the camera iscoupled to the wristband device at or near the edge of an abductor digitminima. These positions allow for the plane of the field of view creatednaturally by the index finger and thumb (or other user's hand/fingerorientations) to be parallel with the camera lens even when the wrist ismaneuvered and rotated at any angle (eliminating any potentialobstructions). In another embodiment, the position of the camera lens iselectromechanically moveable to align with the movement of the hand andwrist.

The wearable camera device is able to monitor, recognize and interpretarm, wrist, hand, and finger gestures, movements, and changes bymonitoring, detecting, processing, and classifying muscle movements,tendon movements, hand shapes, and wrist contours using featureextractions and gesture recognition. In one embodiment, the gesturesthat the wearable camera device can detect to initialize, ready thecamera, and take photos and/or videos include but are not limited to asemicircle shape, circle shape, OK action, hang loose action, swipe leftacross index finger, swipe right across index finger, tap or double tapbetween fingers, tap or double tap across index finger, 90 degreeframing, corner box framing, double view framing, framing, switchingmodes of operation (camera to video, etc.), traversing modes andoptions, selecting options, triggering a shutter, starting capture,motion capture, encoding, and zooming in/out.

The wristband device can include features outside of camerafunctionality, processing, and wireless communication including but notlimited to a clock, timer, and Internet/email capabilities. In oneembodiment, the wristband device includes an adjustable or rotatable(around the wrist) camera lens position and multiple lenses on thewristband (e.g., front, rear, facing, etc). In one embodiment, thewristband device includes perforations along the outside of the bandthat can emit light (e.g., light-emitting diodes or LEOs) to notify theuser with different patterns, shapes, and designs that act as aninterface display to provide feedback information to the user (e.g.,photo taken, photo uploaded to cloud storage, error in taking photo,etc.). The LED display and patterns can be programmable by the user orpredetermined.

In one embodiment, the wristband device is touch enabled to allow fortouch gestures to be recognized directly on the wristband device (or thedisplay unit of the wristband device) in addition to muscle, tendon, andbioelectromagnetics recognition. In one embodiment, the wristband deviceincludes the ability to tap, drag, and flick (away) the emitted lightbased notifications and objects around the outer portion of thewristband. This allows the user to manipulate and adjust the position ofthe emitted display, to control the notifications once they are nolonger relevant to the user, and to respond to certain notificationswith various input, touch, and gesture responses.

In one embodiment, the wristband device includes the ability tomanipulate modes of operation, options, and the interface display byperforming a gesture with only one hand (palm free). In one embodiment,the wristband device includes at least one accelerometer to aid inframing the shots and with orientation. In one embodiment, the wristbanddevice includes a vibration sensor that can vibrate as part of theinterface display that provides feedback to the user (in addition to theLED notifications). In one embodiment, the wristband device includes aspeaker with audio output as part of the interface display so thatadditional feedback (in audio format) can be provided.

In one embodiment, the wristband device includes a plurality of sensorsthat are embedded within and connected via circuitry to detect variousdata from the user and the user's surrounding environment. The pluralityof sensors can include but are not limited to any of or any combinationof MEMS devices, gyroscopes, accelerometers, torque sensors, weightsensors, pressure sensors, magnetometers, temperature sensors, lightsensors, cameras, microphones, GPS, wireless detection sensors, altitudesensors, blood pressure sensors, heart rate sensors, biometric sensors,radio frequently identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC),mobile communication, Wi-Fi, strain gauges, fingerprint sensors, smellsensors, gas sensors, chemical sensors, color sensors, sound sensors,acoustic sensors, ultraviolet sensors, electric field sensors, magneticfield sensors, gravity sensors, wind speed sensors, wind directionsensors, compass sensors, geo-locator sensors, polarized light sensors,infrared emitter sensors, and photo-reflective sensors.

In one embodiment, the wristband device includes a processor device thatanalyzes the detected sensor data (from the plurality of sensors) usinga sensor data classification unit that utilizes a plurality ofalgorithmic processes. The plurality of algorithmic processes caninclude but is not limited to any of or any combination of backpropagation, bayes networks, machine learning, deep learning, neuralnetworks, fuzzy mean max neural networks, hidden Markov chains,hierarchical temporal memory, k nearest neighbor (KNN), adaboot, andhistogram analysis.

In one embodiment, the user utilizes a plurality of wristband devicesworn on both hands. In this embodiment, wireless communication andsynchronization between the plurality of wristband devices can providemulti-camera functionality including but not limited to any of newframing options, larger framing areas, 30 capability, and 360 degreecapability. In one embodiment, the wearable camera device includes acapability of connecting to various networks (public or private).

To describe the features of the present invention in more detail, refernow to the following description in conjunction with the accompanyingFigures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for capturing media in accordance withan embodiment. The media can include photos, video, and/or other typesof media. The system 100 is a wearable camera device that includes awristband device 150 and a camera 134 coupled to the wristband device150. The camera 134 comprises a lens, a barrel, and an actuator. In oneembodiment, the wristband device 150 includes a plurality of componentsincluding but not limited to any of a power supply 102, a random accessmemory (RAM) 104, microcontroller (MCU) 106, read-only memory (ROM) 108,a clock 110, a storage/memory device 112 (including but not limited toFlash memory), a radio 114 (including but not limited to Bluetooth andWiFi), an antenna 116, a haptic/vibrator sensor 118, an accelerometer120, a gyroscope 122, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 124,pre-amplifier/filter/amplifier/bias device 126, a plurality of externalsensors 128 (e.g., EKG, EEG, MEG, EMG, pressure, optical, etc.), anin-system programming component (ISP) 130, and an internal sensor 132.In another embodiment, the embedded accelerometer 120 and gyroscope 122are included in the plurality of external sensors. In anotherembodiment, the wristband device includes a processor, a memory device,an application, and a transmitter/receiver device.

The plurality of external sensors 128 detect user movements (e.g.,muscle or tendon movements) and the plurality of components of thewristband device 150 determine a plurality of gestures by monitoring,classifying, and extracting features from the detected user movements.The plurality of gestures control various actions that are executed byeither the wristband device 150 itself or the camera 134 including butnot limited to taking pictures or videos, scrolling through variousoptions, and scrolling through various modes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 for sensor data classification by awearable camera device in accordance with an embodiment. The system 200includes an application component 202, an operating system (OS)component 204, and a plurality of drivers 206. In one embodiment, theapplication component 202 includes inputs/outputs (I/O), adigitizer/classifier, a gesture detection component, a sensor dataclassification unit, and a commands component. In one embodiment, the OS204 includes a scheduling/memory management component and a messagepassing component. In one embodiment, the each driver of a plurality ofdrivers 206 may include communication drivers, sensor drivers, generalpurpose I/O (GPIO) drivers, and file system (FS) drivers. In oneembodiment, the system 200 detects user movements using the sensors ofthe wristband device and processes the detected user movements using theapplication component 202 and the sensor data classification unit todetermine the gestures and associated commands that control the camera.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for capturing media in accordance withan embodiment. The media can include photos, video, and/or other typesof media. The method 300 comprises providing a wristband device thatincludes at least one sensor, via step 302, coupling a camera to thewristband device, via step 304, determining at least one gesture usingthe at least one sensor, via step 306, and controlling the camera byusing the at least one gesture, via step 308.

In one embodiment, the method further includes detecting, by the atleast one sensor, user movements by using any of muscle, tendon,bioelectromagnetics, and anatomical contour changes (using the contourmapping mechanism) of a user. A processor of the wristband device thenanalyzes the user movements using the sensor data classification unit toextract features from the user movements and to determine at least onegesture from the extracted features using various classifiers. Forexample, if the detected user movement is determined to be the at leastone gesture of a user extending an index finger and thumb approximately90 degrees from each other, the wristband device will instruct/controlthe camera to open a shutter and await the photo/video capture.

Once the wristband device determines an additional gesture when the usersimulates a button pressing by slightly contracting the index finger,the wristband device transmits an instruction to the camera to triggerthe shutter thereby capturing the media (photo/video). In oneembodiment, a communication device is coupled to both the wristbanddevice and the camera, wherein the communication device transmits datafrom both the wristband device (e.g., gesture classifications) and thecamera (e.g., photos and videos) to another device that comprises any ofa smartphone, a laptop, a desktop, and a cloud-based server system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for capturing media in accordance withanother embodiment. The media can include photos, video, and/or othertypes of media. The method 400 comprises movements of a user using thewearable camera device occurring, via step 402, voltage sensorsdetecting the user movements, via step 404, the voltage sensorsrecording the detected user movements as a signal, via step 406, thesignal passing through a pre-amplifier, via step 408, the pre-amplifiedsignal passing through a plurality of filters to remove noise andadditional motion artifacts, via step 410, the filtered signal passingthrough an amplifier, via step 412, and the amplified signal passingthrough an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), via step 414.

The filtered, amplified, and converted signal has features extractedfrom it, via step 416, and these feature extractions result in gesturedeterminations and associated instructions, callbacks, andnotifications, via step 418. The callbacks and notifications areregistered by the wearable camera device, via step 420, and theinstructions or callbacks are transmitted from the wristband device tothe camera for execution, via step 422, which sets up certain cameracontrols and functions (e.g., taking a photo/video), via step 424. Thecontrols and functions are encoded, via step 426, which results in thetriggering of the associated camera function (e.g., data capture), viastep 428, and the wearable camera device then transmits the capturedmedia, via step 430.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user point of view of a wearable camera device 500in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 500includes a wristband device 502 that is coupled to a camera (or thecamera is embedded within the wristband device 502). The wristbanddevice 502 also includes other hardware components and a muscle, tendon,finger gesture recognizer or sensor detection device. The wearablecamera device 500 is shown from the user's point of view when framing aphoto/video and includes a frame of view 504 that serves as the user'sviewfinder (in place of traditional digital or optical viewfinders). Inthis embodiment, the wearable camera device 500 does not include atraditional optical or digital viewfinder which allows the user greaterflexibility in taking nature photos and videos by using the frame ofview 504.

In another embodiment, a viewfinder is displayed on a displayunit/screen (e.g., LCD/LED screen) of the user interface (UI) of thewristband device. In this embodiment, as the user focuses on a subjectusing his/her fingers/hand to frame the subject, the user can verify thecorrect frame has been captured by checking the display unit of thewristband device that displays the signal from the camera lens.

In the diagram 500, the user's index finger and thumb are extendedapproximately 90 degrees from each other to frame the subject. Inanother embodiment, varying angles and positions between the user'sfingers or the index finger and thumb are possible to create the cameraframe while increasing usability and minimizing potential user fatigue.Once the user extends his/her fingers in this shape (index finger andthumb go degrees from each other), the wristband's internal sensorsdetect the user movements and shapes (orientation of the index fingerrelative to the thumb) as a muscle movement. The detected musclemovement is determined to be a certain gesture that readies the camerafocus and shutter. The wearable camera device 500 then awaits anotherdetected user movement that is determined to be a certain gesture thatwill trigger another camera action (such as taking the photo/video).

In another embodiment, the user wearing the wearable camera device faceshis/her palm outwards and towards the subject with all four fingersraised (and possibly extending the thumb approximately 90 degrees fromthe four fingers or resting the thumb up against the index finger). Inthis embodiment, if the user lowered one or more of the four raisedfingers, then the wristband device would detect user movements,determine a gesture from the detected user movements, and then transmita command/instruction to the camera based upon the determined gesture tocarry out a camera action including but not limited to triggering acamera shutter action. In another embodiment, the user wears thewearable camera device (or specifically the wristband device portion) ata position that is rotated 180 degrees or the opposite of the normalwearing position. In this embodiment, the camera lens is facing the userthereby allowing the user to take “selfie” style captures using similaruser movements and gestures (e.g., lowering one of the fingers that areraised, etc.).

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the wearable camera device 600 inaccordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 600 hascomponents similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5 includinga wristband device 602 and a camera coupled to the wristband device 602.The camera includes a camera lens 604 focused on an object 608. Theframe of view 606 is focused on the object 608. The user's index fingerand thumb are in the same position (extended approximately 90 degreesfrom each other) and so the camera is once again in a ready position forwhen another user movement and associated gestured is determined.

FIG. 7 illustrates a subject point of view of the wearable camera device700 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 700 hascomponents similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5 includinga wristband device 702 and a camera coupled to the wristband device 702.The camera includes a camera lens 704. The user's index finger and thumbare in the same position (extended approximately 90 degrees from eachother) and so the camera is once again in a ready position for whenanother user movement and associated gestured is determined.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device800 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 800 hascomponents similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5 includinga wristband device 802 and a camera coupled to or integrated within thewristband device 802. The user's index finger and thumb have moved fromthe position of being extended approximately 90 degrees from each otherto a button pressing simulation movement 806. In this embodiment, thebutton pressing simulation movement 806 is when the user's index fingeris slightly lowered. In another embodiment, a different type of usermovement can be associated with the button pressing simulation movement806.

Once the user's index finger moves, the wristband device 502's sensorsdetect the user movement and the wristband device 502's internalcomponents and sensor data classification unit determine that a specificgesture associated with the detected user movement has occurred. Thedetermined gesture prompts the camera to take a picture/photo of anobject 808 in the distance that is framed by a frame of view 804.

The wristband device of the wearable camera device detects a pluralityof sensor signals and determines a plurality of gestures using theplurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensor signals canrepresent either a single gesture (e.g., “clicking” motion of onefinger, etc.) or a set of gestures in a specific sequence (e.g., slidinga finger to the left or right and tapping, etc.) that the firmware ofthe wristband device constitutes as a single action. Once the gesture isdetermined from the detected sensor signals, the firmware of thewristband device sends out an associated command to control the camera.FIGS. 9-11 represent additional sets of gestures that the wristbanddevice can determine as a single action.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device900 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 900 hascomponents similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5 includinga wristband device 902 and a camera coupled to or integrated within thewristband device 902. The wristband device 902 has determined a gesture904 that comprises the user tapping or double tapping the thumb. Thegesture 904 triggers the wearable camera device 900 to display thetarget/subject of the photo/video on the wristband device 902. In thisembodiment, the wristband device 902 includes a user interface displaythat can display the subject that is being photographed by the camera toensure that the user has focused the camera correctly upon thetarget/subject that the user wants to photograph/video.

FIG. 10 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device1000 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1000has components similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5including a wristband device 1002 and a camera coupled to or integratedwithin the wristband device 1002. The wristband device 1002 hasdetermined a gesture 1004 that comprises the user swiping left with thethumb. The gesture 1004 triggers the wearable camera device 1000 tochange various modes of the camera and the mode change is displayed onthe user interface of the wristband device 1002. In this embodiment, thewristband device 1002 includes a user interface display that can displaythe varying modes. In one embodiment, the modes are varied usingalternating LED patterns. In another embodiment, the modes are variedand the text (e.g., “Photo Taking”, “Video Taking”, “Night-Time Photo”,etc.) is displayed on the user interface display.

FIG. 11 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device1100 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1100has components similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5including a wristband device 1102 and a camera coupled to or integratedwithin the wristband device 1102. The wristband device 1102 hasdetermined a gesture 1104 that comprises the user swiping right with thethumb. The gesture 1104 triggers the wearable camera device to alsochange various modes of the camera (in the opposite direction as swipingleft so essentially the user can scroll left and right through variousoptions) and the mode change is displayed on the user interface of thewristband device 1102. In this embodiment, the wristband device 1102includes a user interface display that can display the varying modes. Inone embodiment, the modes are varied using alternating LED patterns. Inanother embodiment, the modes are varied and the text (e.g., “PhotoTaking”, “Video Taking”, “Night-Time Photo”, etc.) is displayed on theuser interface display.

FIG. 12 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device1200 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1200has components similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5including a wristband device 1202 and a camera coupled to or integratedwithin the wristband device 1202. The wristband device 1202 hasdetermined a gesture 1204 that comprises the user holding his/herfingers in a “C” shape. The gesture 1204 triggers the wearable cameradevice 1200 to select the mode that the user has scrolled to (by swipingleft or right). In another embodiment, the user can input various otherhand gestures and shapes that are associated with mode selection.

FIG. 13 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device1300 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1300has components similar to the wearable camera device 500 of FIG. 5including a wristband device 1302 and a camera coupled to or integratedwithin the wristband device 1302. The wristband device 1302 hasdetermined a gesture 1304 that comprises the user's fingers snapping.The gesture 1304 triggers an “OK” action to the wearable camera device1300. In one embodiment, the “OK” action represents the user setting oracknowledging a particular setting or command that may be displayed tothe user as feedback on the device interface output (e.g., LEOs, userinterface display, etc.).

FIG. 14 illustrates a user point of view of the wearable camera device1400 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1400has components similar to the wearable camera device of FIG. 5 includinga wristband device 1402 and a camera coupled to or integrated within thewristband device 1402. The wristband device 1402 has determined agesture 1404 that comprises the user tapping or double tapping the indexfinger and the middle finger both to the thumb. The gesture 1404triggers an “OK” action to the wearable camera device 1400. In oneembodiment, the “OK” action represents the user setting or acknowledginga particular setting or command that may be displayed to the user asfeedback on the device interface output (e.g., LEOs, user interfacedisplay, etc.). One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes thatother user movements can be associated with an “OK” action and thatwould be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user point of view of a multi-wearable cameradevice system 1500 in accordance with an embodiment. The multi-wearablecamera device system 1500 includes a first wearable camera device 1502coupled to a second wearable camera device 1504. The first and thesecond wearable camera devices 1502-1504 enhance the user's ability toframe a target/subject 1506. In addition, the first and the secondwearable camera devices 1502-1504 communicate with each other and enablethe user to select from various dual wristband modes. In one embodiment,the multi-wearable camera device system 1500 syncs and stitches togetherimage and video capture thereby creating panorama or wide angle capture.In another embodiment, the multi-wearable camera device system 1500provides syncing and capturing of 30 image or video captures, 30stereoscope vision, and 30 zooming.

FIG. 16 illustrates a user interface display of a wearable camera device1600 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1600includes a user interface display 1602. In one embodiment, the userinterface display 1602 comprises LEOs that display various patterns suchas the pattern 1604 based upon camera settings and notifications. In oneembodiment, the LEOs are integrated via laser cut holes cut into theuser interface display 1602. The user can use hand gestures (waivingacross the user interface display 1602) or touch gestures (pressing onthe user interface display 1602) to respond to the various notificationsor delete them. One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes thatthe wearable camera device can include varying types of display unitsand user interfaces and that would be within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method 1700 for capturing media using gesturerecognition by a wearable camera device in accordance with anembodiment. The media can include photos, video, and/or other types ofmedia. The method 1700 represents two time points (N and N+1). The userof the wearable camera device starts in position A (with the indexfinger and thumb approximately 90 degrees from each other) at time pointN and ends in position B (with the index finger slightly lowered in a“clicking” motion) at time point N+1. The wearable camera device detectsthe user's hand positioning and movements using a plurality of embeddedsensors and determines various gestures from the detectedpositioning/movements, via step 1702.

To determine the gestures from the detected user movements, the wearablecamera device utilizes a contour mapping mechanism that provides acontour map of the anatomical contours of the user's wrist that iswearing the wristband device of the wearable camera device, via step1704. The wristband device (band and embedded sensors) position aroundthe user's wrist is denoted by a solid line and the contour of theuser's wrist is denoted by a dotted line. When the user's hand is inposition A at time point N, the contour map of the user's wrist is inwrist contour shape one (1) and when the user's hand shifts in positionfrom position A to position B at time point N+1, the contour map of theuser's wrist is in wrist contour shape two (2).

After determining the change in the contour map via step 1704, thewristband device classifies the contour changes using feature extractionand associated classifiers from contour shapes, via step 1706. The keyfeatures of the classifier are plotted on a graph that depicts adistance in millimeters (mm) on the y-axis and that depicts the sensorposition around the circumference of the wrist and based upon thecontour map on the x-axis. When the user's hand is in position A at timepoint N, the plotted graph displays the wrist contour shape 1 in a firstsensor position and when the user's hand is in position B at time pointN+1, the plotted graph displays the wrist contour shape 2 in a secondsensor position.

After classifying the sensor positions to determine the gesture, thewearable camera device the determined gesture is associated with acertain command that is then transmitted to the camera, via step 1708.For example, when the wearable camera device determines the first sensorposition (that is associated with a first gesture), the camera receivesa “camera ready” command (because that command is associated with thefirst gesture) and when the wearable camera device determines the secondsensor position (after the user has changed orientation of his/her handwhich is associated with a second gesture), the camera receives a“shutter press” command (because that command is associated with thesecond gesture) and the photo/video is captured by the wearable cameradevice. One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that avariety of contour shapes and sensor positions can be associated with avariety of gestures and subsequently with a variety of commands and thatwould be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method 1800 for capturing media using gesturerecognition by a wearable camera device in accordance with anembodiment. The media can include photos, video, and/or other types ofmedia. The wearable camera device monitors the hand of a user wearingthe wearable camera device (that includes a wristband device and acamera coupled to or integrated within the wristband device), via step1802. When the user moves a portion of the hand, the fingers, and/or thewrist (user movements), the user movements cause muscle, skin, tendons,and bone to move as well allowing the wearable camera device to detectthe user movements as sensor values, via step 1804, by using embeddedsensors within the wristband device of the wearable camera device at atime point N, via step 1806. The detected sensor values are convertedinto a signal using an ADC and stored as an array of values (AV), viastep 1808. After storage, filters (e.g., median filter) are applied tothe array of values (AV), via step 1810. Steps 1802-1810 represent the“monitoring” phase of the method 1800 utilized by the wearable cameradevice.

The monitoring phase is repeated by the wearable camera device to createenough training data for certain gestures (G, G1, etc.), via step 1812.Once enough training data is created (or pre-downloaded into thewearable camera device), common features are identified for each gesture(G, G1, etc.) that are each associated with certain gesture classifiers(C, C1, etc.) that are each associated with certain actions (A, A1,etc.), via step 1814. The wearable camera device receives the determinedgestures and creates a gesture classifier for each, via step 1816. Steps1812-1816 represent the “classification” phase of the method 1800utilized by the wearable camera device.

After the classification phase has been completed by the wearable cameradevice and enough training data has been created, via step 1816, thewearable camera device compares the filtered AV values to the gestureclassifiers (created via step 1816) using matching methodologiesincluding but not limited to machine learning and k-nearest neighboralgorithms (KNN), via step 1818. If the features from the filtered AVvalues match a certain gesture classifier, the wearable camera devicecalls the action (transmits the command to the camera) associated withthat certain gesture classifier, via step 1820. For example, if filteredAV values (or sensor data) matches a certain gesture G1 that isassociated with classifier C1 that is associated with action A1, thenthe wearable camera device will call and transmit a command/instructionto the camera for action A1. Steps 1818-1820 represent the “recognition”phase of the method 1800 utilized by the wearable camera device.

After the recognition phase has been completed by the wearable cameradevice, the action command or call (e.g., camera shutter) is received bythe camera, via step 1822, and the camera firmware initiates cameraencoding of the camera controls and functions, via step 1824. The actioncommand or call is encoded, via step 1826, and the action is executed(e.g., the camera captures the image), via step 1828. Once the image (orvideo) is captured, the wearable camera device transmits the media to alocal or remote storage, via step 1830, and a user can view the media,via step 1832. One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes thatthe wearable camera device can associated a plurality of sensor valueswith gestures, classifiers, and actions and that would be within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a subject point of view of a wearable camera device1900 in accordance with an embodiment. The wearable camera device 1900includes a wristband device 1902 (or band) that wraps around the wristof the user and a camera 1904 that is coupled to or integrated withinthe wristband device 1902. The camera 1904 includes a camera lens 1906and a camera sub assembly. In one embodiment, the camera lens 1906 ismechanically and flexibly affixed to the wristband device 1902 near thebottom of the user's palm. The flex fixing camera lens 1906 mechanicallymoves with the movements/gestures of the user's wrist and palm. Inanother embodiment, the camera lens 1906 is rigidly fixed to a portionof the wristband device 1902 that is controllable by electromechanicalactuation based on movements/gestures.

The subject point of view represents the view from a subject that islooking straight at the camera lens 1906. The subject point of viewshows the palm and various fingers (middle, ring, pinky) of the user.The wristband device 1902 includes a plurality of components includingbut not limited to sensors, display unit, hardware platform, battery,storage, and radio. In one embodiment, the wristband device 1902 rotatesaround the user's wrist enabling the camera lens 1906 to either faceoutward towards the subject or face inward towards the user for “selfie”picture capturing capability.

A system and method in accordance with the present invention discloses awearable camera system (wearable camera device) for capturing media(photo/video). The wearable camera device comprises a wristband devicethat includes at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the wearablecamera device also comprises a camera coupled to the wristband device.In another embodiment, the camera is integrated within the wristbanddevice as one overall device. The camera is controlled by at least onegesture determined from user movements and sensor data detected by theat least one sensor.

The wristband device includes additional hardware components includingbut not limited to a processor that analyzes the user movements detectedby the at least one sensor and a memory device that stores the variousdata (detected user movements, determined gestures, etc.). The at leastone sensor detects the user movements by detecting any of muscle,tendon, bioelectromagnetics, and anatomical contour changes of the user.In one embodiment, the processor analyzes the detected user movementsusing a sensor data classification unit that utilizes filters andalgorithms that extract features from the user movements to determinethe at least one gesture. The sensor data classification unit utilizesany of back propagation, Bayes networks, neural networks, and machinelearning to determine the user gestures.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is any of a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a lightsensor. In one embodiment, the camera is controlled without using any ofan optical viewfinder or a digital viewfinder and instead uses a naturalviewfinder created by the user's natural fingers. In one embodiment, thecamera includes a lens that is small (e.g., thumbnail sized) and thelens is positioned to follow the rotational movement of the user. Thisensures that the lens is never obstructed and is positioned on theuser's wrist in a way that enables clear targeting of thephoto/video/media subjects that the user wants to capture.

The wearable camera device can determine a plurality of gestures thattrigger various camera actions. In one embodiment, the gesture includesa user extending an index finger and thumb approximately 90 degrees fromeach other to create one corner of a camera frame. In this embodiment,the camera shutter's plan is substantially parallel to a plane createdby the extending of the index finger and thumb. In another embodiment,the user can determine various hand gestures and actions and correlateeach of these hand gestures and actions to specific camera actions. Inanother embodiment, based upon a continuously updated database orsoftware updates, the wearable camera device determines additionalgestures and associated camera actions.

In one embodiment, once the user extends the index finger and thumbapproximately 90 degrees from each other in a certain gesture and thewearable camera device determines the certain gesture, the wristbanddevice of the wearable camera device instructs/controls/transmits amessage to the camera to open the shutter and await a photo/video/mediacapture gesture from the user. In one embodiment, the user provides aphoto/video/media capture gesture by simulating a button pressure. Inanother embodiment, the user provides a photo/video/media capturegesture by another gesture that is either predetermined or inputted bythe user such as snapping of the fingers.

In one embodiment, the at least one gesture or plurality of gesturesthat the wearable camera device can determine includes any ofinitializing camera function, semicircle shapes, circle shapes, OKaction, hang loose action, swipe left across index finger, swipe rightacross index finger, tap between fingers, double tap between fingers,witching modes, selecting options, zooming, triggering a shutter tostart capture, and triggering a shutter to start motion capture.

In one embodiment, the wearable camera device includes a communicationdevice (e.g., transmitter/receiver device) coupled to both the wristbanddevice and the camera (or just one of either the wristband device andthe camera). In this embodiment, the communication device transmits datafrom either or both the wristband device (e.g., user movements,gestures, etc.) and the camera (e.g., photos, videos, media, etc.) toanother device that comprises any of a smartphone and a cloud-basedserver system. In one embodiment, the wristband device includes a userinterface display that comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes(LEDs) that produces various patterns associated with camera actions andnotifications and alerts for the user.

As above described, a system and method in accordance with the presentinvention utilizes a wristband device that includes a plurality ofsensors and a processor and a camera mounted to the wristband device toprovide a gesture operated wrist-mounted camera system (wearable cameradevice). The wearable camera device is an unobtrusive accessory-typewristband camera that can be worn by the user for 24 hours a day so thatthe user can take photos and videos at any time and with ease. Thewearable camera device is convenient (in accessibility, size, shape,weight, etc) and quickly produces high quality and framed camera shotsand videos once user movements and gestures associated with variouscommands are detected by the wearable camera device.

A system and method for operating a wrist-mounted camera systemutilizing gestures has been disclosed. Embodiments described herein cantake the form of an entirely hardware implementation, an entirelysoftware implementation, or an implementation containing both hardwareand software elements. Embodiments may be implemented in software, whichincludes, but is not limited to, application software, firmware,resident software, microcode, etc.

The steps described herein may be implemented using any suitablecontroller or processor, and software application, which may be storedon any suitable storage location or computer-readable medium. Thesoftware application provides instructions that enable the processor toperform the functions described herein.

Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program productaccessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providingprogram code for use by or in connection with a computer or anyinstruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, acomputer-usable or computer-readable medium can be any apparatus thatcan contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program foruse by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, semiconductor system (or apparatus or device), or apropagation medium (non-transitory). Examples of a computer-readablemedium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, aremovable computer diskette a random access memory (RAM), a read-onlymemory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Currentexamples of optical disks include DVD, compact disk-read-only memory(CD-ROM), and compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W).

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and thosevariations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a wristband device, thewristband device including a sensor to determine gestures; and a cameracoupled to the wristband device, the camera being controlled by thegestures and being moveable along an outer surface of the wristbanddevice, the gestures including a user extending an index finger andthumb approximately 90 degrees from each other.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the wristband device includes a processor that detectssignals and analyzes the signals using a contour mapping mechanism togenerate a contour map.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the signalsare detected using at least one of muscle, tendon, bioelectromagnetics,or anatomical contour changes associated with user movements of theuser.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the contour map is analyzed bythe processor using sensor data classification of the contour mappingmechanism to extract features, the gestures determined using theextracted features.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the sensor dataclassification includes at least one of back propagation, bayesnetworks, neural networks, or machine learning.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the sensor is at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer,a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a light sensor.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the camera is controlled by the gestureswithout using at least one of an optical viewfinder or a digitalviewfinder.
 8. The system of claim 3, wherein the camera includes a lensthat is thumbnail sized.
 9. The system of claim 3, wherein the usermovements include at least one of rotating a wrist of the user orrotating an arm of the user.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a planeof a shutter is substantially parallel to a plane created by theextending of the index finger and the thumb.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein in response to the user extending the index finger and the thumbapproximately 90 degrees from each other, the processor of the wristbanddevice transmits instructions to the camera to open the shutter.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the processor of the wristband devicedetermines that the user is simulating a button press when the indexfinger is contracted to a predetermined position thereby triggering thecamera to capture media.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the gesturesinclude at least one of initializing camera function, semicircle shapes,circle shapes, OK action, hang loose action, swipe left across indexfinger, swipe right across index finger, tap between fingers, double tapbetween fingers, switching modes, selecting options, zooming, triggeringa shutter to start capture, or triggering a shutter to start motioncapture.
 14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a communicationdevice coupled to both the wristband device and the camera, thecommunication device transmitting data from both the wristband deviceand the camera to another device that comprises at least one of asmartphone or a server.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the wristbanddevice includes a light emitting user interface that producesnotifications using light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
 16. A method,comprising: providing a wristband device, the wristband device includinga camera and a sensor, the sensor configured to determine gestures, thecamera being moveable along an outer surface of the wristband device;determining a gesture comprising a user extending an index finger andthumb approximately 90 degrees from each other; and controlling thecamera using the gesture.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: detecting signals using the sensor and at least one ofmuscle, tendon, or bioelectromagnetics changes associated with usermovements of the user; generating a contour map using the signals and acontour mapping mechanism; analyzing the contour map using sensor dataclassification to extract features; and determining the gestures usingthe extracted features.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:in response to determining the gesture comprising the user extending theindex finger and thumb approximately 90 degrees from each other,transmitting instructions to the camera to open a shutter.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising: determining that the user issimulating a button press by contracting the index finger to apredetermined position thereby triggering the camera to capture media.20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: coupling a communicationdevice to both the wristband device and the camera, the communicationdevice transmitting data from both the wristband device and the camerato another device that comprises at least one of a smartphone or aserver.